She bagged recognition for her achievements in cancer cell and gene therapy
DKMS Stiftung Leben Spenden honoured Professor Chiara Bonini, a pioneer in clinically applying genetically modified T cells in stem cell transplantation, with the DKMS Mechtild Harf Science Award 2025. The award honours the outstanding achievements of internationally renowned physicians and scientists in the field of stem cell transplantation and cellular therapies.
“Professor Chiara Bonini’s groundbreaking findings in the field of personalised immunotherapy with genetically modified T cells have been essential in advancing the treatment of blood cancer. These discoveries have led to novel therapeutic approaches and hold the potential for translation into treatments for other types of cancer,” explains Professor Dr Katharina Fleischhauer, member of the DKMS Medical Council and Head of the Institute for Cell Therapy Research at Essen University Hospital, in recognition of this year’s award winner.
Bonini, MD, Professor of Hematology at the University Vita-Salute San Raffaele and Head of the Department of Experimental Hematology at the IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, accepted the award at the annual conference of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) in Florence, Italy.
“Chiara Bonini is one of the highly renowned scientists worldwide in the field of cell and gene therapy to treat cancer. She has been a leader in the clinical use of genetically modified T cells in stem cell transplantation, laying the foundation for innovative, life-saving therapies” said Professor Dr. Fleischhauer at the presentation of the DKMS Mechtild Harf Science Award, which comes with 10,000 Euro (approximately Rs 9.26 lakh). “Her work contributed to the development of the first EMA-approved genetically engineered cell-based medicinal product for cancer patients, paving the way for a new era of precision medicine and transformative treatments for patients worldwide.”
